- Think like a TV or radio producer when selecting your panel topic—make it timely and audience-focused. Identify key questions first, then reach out to potential speakers to assess their fit. Frame it as an initial inquiry, emphasizing that the final lineup will ensure diverse perspectives, geographies, and genders.
- Select high quality speakers well in advance. If you leave it to a few weeks beforehand you tend to get panels built around what people know about rather than what the audience wants them to talk about.
- Cast the panel to ensure different opinions and views. Many of the organizations I moderate for tell me that they want a lively “BBC style debate” but invite only people who say the same thing. The moderator at this point has no option but to play devil’s advocate.
- Have a few in-depth interviews – the so-called fireside chat - with a key speaker can be far more productive than organising a panel that as mentioned above requires a lot of editorial thought and advance planning.
- Choose a moderator who rigorously prepares. Insist that all moderators whether in-house or external hold briefing calls with the speakers.
- Entertain your audience as well as inform and educate them. Make sure your programme is varied and appeals to as many senses as possible – sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch.
- Pick a date that doesn’t conflict with other major events in the calendar. It is unwise for example to hold an event linked to climate change at the same time as the annual Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Climate Change Convention as audiences and relevant speakers may not be available.
Author's bio
Claire Doole is a former BBC correspondent and international spokeswoman who is passionate about helping people communicate with confidence. Since 2006, she has successfully trained hundreds of professionals in the art of presenting and public speaking, talking to the media, managing communications in a crisis, and writing for the web. In addition, she has coached C-level executives and public figures to give powerful TEDx and TED style talks in Europe and the Middle East. A Swiss and UK national, Claire trains and coaches in French and English.
Claire is also a highly experienced moderator having facilitated panel discussions with government ministers, NGO activists, humanitarians and human rights specialists at major events.
Claire helps clients design their virtual, hybrid and in-person events and runs workshops on organising and moderating at events.
